An oval repoussée copper plaque with a self- hanging loop on back, depicting a satyr uncovering a sleeping nymph, a subject that has been depicted by numerous European artists from the 16th to the 19th century. This particular design appears to have been derived from two sources. The pose of the nymph closely corresponds to the figure of Diana in The Sleeping Diana Surprised by a Cupid and a Satyr by Giovanni Gioseffo da Sole (1654-1719), probably painted in the 17th century. The satyr follows the pose in Sleeping Nymph and Satyrs (1828) by William Etty (1787-1849), a painting in the collection of the Royal Academy that he submitted for his diploma and which launched his career. The platter design has been simplified from these sources to fit the small size. For example, da Sole's Diana wears her symbol, a crescent moon, in her hair and is partially draped, and Etty's painting includes a second satyr. Etty's composition also is oriented in the opposite direction, with the nymph's head on the right. lifting the drape. The satyr's pose closely corresponds to the one in Etty's painting rather than to da Sole's, including the way he holds the drape and how the lower portion of his leg shows on the right. This helps to date this piece to after 1828.

Condition: Generally very good with the usual overall light wear, oxidation. Some light bending and crimping. Copper nicely naturally patinated.

References:

"The sleeping Diana surprised by Cupid and a Satyr by Giovanni Gioseffo da Sole." Wikigallery. 5 July 2015.http://www.wikigallery.org/wiki/painting_158277/Giovanni-Gioseffo-da-Sole/The-sleeping-Diana-surprised-by-Cupid-and-a-Satyr (9 July 2015).